Trump Announces Plan to End $4 Billion Annual US Aid to Israel After 2026

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to end approximately $4 billion in annual financial assistance to Israel after the end of 2026. He said he had reached an agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discontinue the payments.

Speaking to Fox News’ Fox & Friends programme on Tuesday, Trump said Israel no longer needed the financial assistance. He added that the United States would continue helping the country if necessary.

“Now, as far as paying Israel, Bibi Netanyahu and I have made a deal that we give Israel $4 billion a year, and we made a deal months ago that we’re stopping,” Trump said.

“We’ve already agreed that by the end of this year we won’t be paying Israel. Now we’ll help Israel if they need it,” he added.

Announcement Comes During US Midterm Elections

Trump made the announcement as Americans voted in the November 3 midterm elections. The polls will determine which party controls Congress.

He said the decision was partly intended to address criticism from Democrats over continued US military assistance to Israel. Questions about the support have intensified amid declining American public backing following the Gaza war.

However, the announcement has raised questions about how Washington plans to end the funding before the existing agreement expires.

Existing US-Israel Aid Agreement Runs Until 2028

A 2016 memorandum of understanding commits the United States to providing Israel with $38 billion in military assistance over 10 years. The arrangement provides $3.8 billion annually until September 2028.

Congress must approve the annual appropriations under the agreement. Trump did not explain how his administration would terminate the arrangement ahead of its scheduled expiry.

He also did not clarify whether congressional approval would be required to implement the proposed change.

Neither the White House nor Netanyahu’s office immediately responded to Reuters’ requests for comment.

Abdul El-Sayed Claims Michigan Senate Victory, Set to Become First Muslim US Senator

Netanyahu Faces Political Uncertainty

The announcement also comes as Netanyahu faces uncertainty over his political future. His governing coalition lost its parliamentary majority in Israel’s October 27 elections.

Some analysts questioned the timing of Trump’s announcement. They suggested it could be intended to reduce political pressure on Republicans during the US midterm elections.

Jon Alterman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies questioned why the decision was announced on Election Day. His comments came amid speculation about possible further US-Israeli military action against Iran.

American Support for Israel Declines

Public support for Israel has weakened in the United States. A June Quinnipiac University poll found that 48% of American voters considered Washington too supportive of Israel.

That figure compared with 16% in 2017, highlighting a significant shift in public opinion.

Despite the proposed end to direct financial assistance, Washington is expected to maintain defence cooperation with Israel. This includes military equipment sales and technology partnerships.

If implemented, Trump’s plan would mark a significant change in the longstanding US-Israel military assistance relationship.